And thus it begins.
If rumors are to be believed it should be a busy off-season for the Denver Brewers.
It started with the shocking news that ace and future HOF starting pitcher decided to opt out of the final season of his contract with the Brewers and test the free agency waters. While it is still possible the Brewers will bring him back by signing him as a free agent (or that he might take us up on our offer of arbitration), this could make the dominant starting rotation from 1975 a bit less dominant in '76.
Then it was announced that the Brewers had bought out the option they had on their other future HOF player, Ryan Rodgers, contract. Rodgers becomes a free agent and surely will not be in Brewers purple next season.
And today it was announced that long-time Brewer shortstop, Chad Brown, was packaged in a deal with first base prospect Brad McManus, second base prospect David Bennett, and non-prospect starting pitcher Andy Casillas that sent them all to Columbus in exchange for young fireballing reliever Walter Hackler and a pair of moderate outfield prospects.
And this is likely only the beginning of the wheeling and dealing.